Method and device for goods management

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for goods management according to which an RFID tag is assigned to the goods and electromagnetic signals are exchanged between the RFID tag and an antenna assembly, wherein, for the purpose of signal exchange, the goods with the RFID tags are arranged in an exchange cell that contains the antenna assembly and that is at least partially shielded.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 national phase entryapplication of, and claims priority to, International Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/EP2021/055179, filed Mar. 2, 2021, which claims priority toGerman Patent Application No. DE 102020105827.6, filed Mar. 4, 2020, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a method for goods management in which an RFIDtag is assigned to the goods and electromagnetic signals are exchangedbetween the RFID tag and an antenna assembly.

Such methods are used, for example, in production processes in which thegoods are delivered and further processed as part of a productionprocess. In automated production processes, the flow of goods must bemonitored and controlled. For this purpose, an RFID tag is assigned tothe goods, in which tag the data identifying the goods and/or dataidentifying the destination of the goods are stored. This data isrecorded by suitable antenna assemblies, evaluated with a suitablecontrol and evaluation device, and the corresponding goods areintegrated into the flow of goods according to the data received.

Corresponding methods for goods management are also required inlogistics centers in which delivered goods are stored and transportedfrom for dispatch to destinations. Goods management in correspondinglogistics centers also requires the collection of data identifying thetype of goods and the destination for the goods, which data can bestored in RFID tags. These RFID tags can be arranged on the goodsthemselves or on goods carriers, such as pallets for the goods. In thecourse of goods management, the antenna assembly usually emits signalswhich are modulated by the RFID tags by means of field weakening in thecontact-free short circuit or anti-phase reflection. The electromagneticsignals modulated in this way can be received by the antenna assemblyand evaluated with the aid of a suitable control and evaluation device.

In conventional methods of the type just described, however,malfunctions occur in many cases in which the goods are not properlyintegrated into the flow of goods.

In view of these problems in the prior art, the invention is based onthe object of providing a method for goods management with which atrouble-free flow of goods is made possible, and on the object ofproviding a corresponding system.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a refinement ofthe known methods, in which the goods with the RFID tag are arranged forsignal exchange in an at least partially shielded exchange cellcontaining the antenna assembly.

For the purposes of this description, the term shielded is understood tomean a shielding of electromagnetic radiation, with which the passage ofelectromagnetic radiation is counteracted.

The invention is based on the finding that the problems observed inconventional goods management methods are primarily due to the fact thatthe electromagnetic signals emitted by the antenna assembly aremodulated by a plurality of tags and are received and evaluated in acorrespondingly modulated form by the antenna assembly, which can leadto malfunctions in the assignment of the signals to the individual goodsand in the goods management carried out on the basis of this assignment.In the method according to the invention, the signal exchange betweenthe RFID tag and the antenna system takes place in a shielded cell. Themodulation of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the antennaassembly, which is detected by the antenna assembly, is thereforecarried out by only one RFID tag arranged in the shielded exchange cell,so that the goods assigned to this RFID tag can be reliably integratedinto a flow of goods as intended.

RFID tags outside the exchange cell do not even receive any signalsemitted by the antenna assembly arranged in the shielded exchange cell.Accordingly, no signals modulated by RFID tags arranged outside of theexchange cell are received by the antenna assembly. Interference fromsuperimposing different signals can thus be counteracted reliably.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to theinvention, the exchange cell is delimited by elements, which areelectrically conductive at least in regions, of which at least oneclosing element can be moved between an open position allowing the goodsto pass into the exchange cell and a closed position counteracting theescape of electromagnetic radiation from the exchange cell, wherein theclosing element is moved into the open position for arranging the goodsin the exchange cell and into the closed position for the purpose ofsignal exchange between the RFID tag and the antenna assembly arrangedin the exchange cell.

In the case of the method according to the invention, the goods can bearranged in the exchange cell, on the one hand, by the goods themselvesbeing conveyed into the exchange cell, optionally on a goods carrier. Inother embodiments of the invention, the exchange cell is moved into thearea of stationary stored goods. In both embodiments of the methodaccording to the invention, it is essential that the exchange cellallows the goods to enter the exchange cell by moving the closingelement into the open position and it can then be shielded on all sidesby moving the closing element into the closed position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is providedthat the exchange cell has two closing elements, preferably formingopposite sides of the exchange cell, one of which is moved into the openposition to arrange the goods in the exchange cell and the other ismoved into the open position to remove the goods from the exchange cell.In this embodiment of the invention, the method according to theinvention for goods management enables continuous operation and thus anoverlap-free signal exchange without delaying the flow of goods. Theexchange cell can be moved between two or more exchange locations whencarrying out methods according to the invention. Additionally oralternatively, the goods with the assigned RFID tag can pass through theexchange cell.

As can be seen from the above description of methods according to theinvention, an exchange cell suitable for carrying out a method accordingto the invention for goods management has an antenna assembly arrangedin the exchange cell, wherein the exchange cell itself is delimited byat least one element made of at least partially electrically conductivematerial, in particular metallic material, with which it is possible toshield the electromagnetic signal transmitted during the signalexchange. At least one delimiting element can have a closing elementthat can be moved between an open position, in which it enables thearrangement of goods in the exchange cell, and a closed position, inwhich it counteracts the escape of electromagnetic radiation from theexchange cell.

In one embodiment of the invention that enables an exchange cellaccording to the invention to be integrated into a flow of goods, atleast two preferably opposite sides of the exchange cell have closingelements, each of which can be moved between an open position and aclosed position, so that, by moving one closing element into the openposition, the arrangement of the goods in the exchange cell is possibleand, by moving the other closing element into the open position, theremoval of the goods from the exchange cell is possible. During thesignal exchange between the RFID tags assigned to the goods and theantenna assembly, preferably both closing elements are in the closedposition.

A particularly rapid movement of the closing elements between the closedposition and the open position is made possible if at least one closingelement forms a multi-layer roll in the open position, wherein a furtheracceleration of the movement of the closing element between the openposition and the closed position is possible if at least one closingelement has a web-shaped curtain which is coated with a metallicmaterial on at least one side and can be wound on a winding shaft in theopen position, from which winding shaft it is unwound during a closingmovement. Aluminum, for example, can be used as the metallic materialfor the shielding coating of the closing element.

The web-shaped curtain can be a component made of a flexible material,such as a plastic film, which has a metallic coating, such as analuminum coating. A curtain in the form of such an aluminum-coatedplastic film allows a large number of windings on a shaft without wear.In addition, a corresponding material is very light and can therefore bemoved between the closed position and the open position at high speedwithout excessive effort. A motor with small dimensions can be used towind up and unwind the curtain, while at the same time realizing a largenumber of load cycles, which is particularly advantageous in anautomated solution with short cycle times.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the curtain isformed at least partially from a sheet material having mineral fibers,such as a fiberglass or glass fabric, with a metallic coating, such asan aluminum coating. In addition to the shielding effect, correspondingproducts also have an improved fire protection effect. They are barelyflammable.

Within the scope of the invention, at least one delimiting element canhave a rigid wall element, wherein the rigid wall element can have ametal sheet, in particular in the form of a sectional door panel.

The exchange cell provided according to the invention can also bedelimited overall by aluminum-coated foils or fabrics. Consideration isalso given to covering the rigid boundary walls of the exchange cellwith a corresponding flexible material having an aluminum coating. Thus,a very light and cost-effective design form can be realized, which canbe individually and easily adapted in size and shape. Such an exchangecell can be either stationary or mobile.

Particularly with regard to an optionally desired mobile design of theexchange cell, it has proven to be expedient if the wall elements areinserted into a rigid frame, which is preferably formed from metal barsor profiles. Transport elements such as rollers and/or wheels, on whichthe exchange cell can be moved between exchange locations, areexpediently attached to the frame in this embodiment of the invention.

A goods management system according to the invention comprises anexchange cell according to the invention with an antenna assemblyarranged therein and a goods carrier equipped with an RFID tag. Thegoods carrier can be designed as a pallet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, to whichexpress reference is made with regard to all the details that areessential to the invention and not detailed in the description. In thedrawing:

FIG. 1 shows an exchange cell according to the invention with theclosing element moved into the closed position; and

FIG. 2 shows an exchange cell according to the invention with theclosing element moved into the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exchange cell 10 shown in the drawing is essentially cuboid and isdelimited on three sides by delimiting elements in the form of rigidwalls 14. The rigid walls 14 have metal sheets and are made of sectionaldoor panels in the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing. Inthe embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing, the remaining sideof the exchange cell is implemented by a closing element in the form ofa web-shaped curtain 12 which can be moved between the closed positionshown in FIG. 1 and the open position according to FIG. 2 . In theclosed position (cf. FIG. 1 ), a stabilizing profile 16 arranged at thelower edge of the web-shaped closing element 12 rests on the cell floor.In the open position (cf. FIG. 2 ), the closing element 12 designed as aweb-shaped curtain is wound up into a multi-layer roll and arranged in ahousing 18 above the opening of the exchange cell 10, which opening isclosed by the closing element 12 in the closed position.

As can already be seen in FIG. 1 , the delimiting elements 14, 16 areaccommodated in a frame formed by metal bars 30. The frame forms theedges of the cuboid defining the exchange cell. An antenna assembly 20is provided in the exchange cell, which antenna assembly has twoantennas in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 . Theantenna assembly 20 is designed to emit electromagnetic signals and toreceive signals modulated by an RFID tag. In the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 2 , the goods 110 are arranged on a pallet 100serving as a goods carrier. In this embodiment of the invention, theRFID tag is arranged on the goods carrier 100. After the signal exchangebetween the RFID tag and the antenna assembly 20, the goods 110 arrangedon the goods carrier 100 can be removed from the exchange cell andintegrated into the flow of goods.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 , the exchange cell10 is equipped with transport rollers 40, which are attached to thelower metal bars 30 of the frame accommodating the delimiting elements12 and 14. This makes it possible to move the exchange cell 10 as awhole on the rollers 40.

The curtain 12 that can be seen in FIG. 1 is coated with aluminum.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawing, only onedelimiting element of the exchange cell is designed as a closing element12, which can be moved between an open position (cf. FIG. 2 ) and aclosed position (cf. FIG. 1 ). In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, two opposite walls of the exchange cell 10 are formed bycorresponding closing elements. This means that the delimiting elementidentified by reference number 14′ in FIG. 2 is replaced by a closingelement, such as a web-shaped curtain.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment illustrated bymeans of the drawing. Rather, it is also conceivable to design theclosing element in the manner of a sectional door with rigid closingelements. The antenna assembly can have more than two or only oneantenna. The delimiting elements designed as rigid walls can be formedin one piece. The provision of a frame formed by metal bars 30 can bedispensed with.

1. A method for goods management, in which an RFID tag is assigned tothe goods and electromagnetic signals are exchanged between the RFID tagand an antenna assembly, characterized in that the goods with the RFIDtag for signal exchange are arranged in an at least partially shieldedexchange cell, which contains the antenna assembly.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the exchange cell isdelimited by elements, which are electrically conductive at least inregions, of which at least one closing element can is to be movedbetween an open position allowing the goods to pass into the exchangecell and a closed position counteracting the escape of electromagneticradiation from the exchange cell, wherein the closing element is movedinto the open position for arranging the goods in the exchange cell andinto the closed position for data exchange between the RFID tag and theantenna assembly.
 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized inthat the exchange cell has two closing elements, forming opposite sidesof the exchange cell, one of which is moved into the open position toarrange the goods in the exchange cell and the other is moved into theopen position to remove the goods from the exchange cell.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the exchange cell is movedbetween exchange locations.
 5. The method according to claim 1,characterized in that the goods with the assigned RFID tag pass throughthe exchange cell.
 6. An exchange cell for goods management for carryingout a method according to claim 1 with an antenna assembly arranged inthe exchange cell, in which antenna assembly the exchange cell isdelimited by at least one element made of at least partiallyelectrically conductive material, including metallic material.
 7. Theexchange cell according to claim 6, characterized in that at least onedelimiting element has a closing element that is to be moved between anopen position, in which it enables the arrangement of goods in theexchange cell, and a closed position, in which it counteracts the escapeof electromagnetic radiation from the exchange cell.
 8. The exchangecell according to claim 7, characterized in that at least two sides ofthe exchange cell, opposite one another, have closing elements, each ofwhich is to be moved between an open position and a closed position. 9.The exchange cell according to claim 7, characterized in that at leastone closing element forms a multi-layer roll in the open position. 10.The exchange cell according to claim 9, characterized in that at leastone closing element has a web-shaped curtain, which is coated on atleast one side with a metallic material, including aluminum.
 11. Theexchange cell according to claim 10, characterized in that theweb-shaped curtain has mineral fibers, including glass fibers, andincludes, at least in sections, a sheet material made of mineral fibers,including glass fibers, such as glass fabric, coated with a metallicmaterial such as aluminum.
 12. The exchange cell according to claim 6,characterized in that at least one delimiting element has a rigid wallelement.
 13. The exchange cell according to claim 12, characterized inthat the rigid wall element has a metal sheet, and comprises a sectionaldoor panel, and/or is covered with a flexible material equipped with ametallic coating, such as a coated plastic film, and/or with a coatedsheet material made of mineral fibers.
 14. The exchange cell accordingto claim 6, characterized in that the wall elements are inserted into arigid frame, preferably formed from metal bars or profiles.
 15. Theexchange cell according to claim 6, characterized by transport elements,such as rollers, preferably attached to the frame, and/or wheels onwhich the exchange cell is movable between exchange locations.
 16. Agoods management system with the exchange cell of claim 6 and a goodscarrier equipped with an RFID tag.